Get a taste of the pug life at Del Mar Fairgrounds on May 6

DEL MAR -- If you got a kick out of Frank the Pug from "Men in
Black" and "MIB2," you'll want to get yourself over to the Del Mar
Fairgrounds on May 6 to get acquainted with some more of the alien
tribe.

That would be the 15th annual Pug Party, sponsored by Pug Rescue
of San Diego County. The gathering of pugs will be from 10 a.m. to
4 p.m., with pug-related activities, boutiques, contests and
services on tap at the Infield Pavilion. Admission is $10 adults,
$5 for children under 10.

Didn't see the movie? Don't own a pug? Well, don't let that stop
you. Anyone can enjoy the antics of these four-legged little love
sponges. And with hundreds of compact brown and black dogs with
twisty tails scampering and scooting around, you'll be hard pressed
not to get some laughs out of the day.

OK, you do have to enjoy dogs in costumes, too. This year's
theme is "Military Pugs," which will be judged as part of the
popular Costume Contests. Owners and their dogs will compete
together in the Pug/Owner Dress Alike contest. You can't leave
before the Wet T-shirt contest (for the dogs, not the owners), and
the new Cheeseball Catch promises to be a heated competition. Last,
dozens of pugs will race to the finish line for the Cupcake Chomp.
Entry fee is $5 per pug per contest.

In between events, enjoy food and drink at the concession stand,
buy a T-shirt, belt buckle, mug or piece of art featuring pugs, or
ask a question of the veterinarians who will be at the Ask the Vet
booth. You can also apply to adopt a pug, a breed that makes a
great indoor companion dog, with a big, loving heart that belies
its size.

The whole mad event is a plug for pugs and helps pay for the
work of Pug Rescue. The nonprofit organization, run by volunteers,
rescues unwanted and relinquished pugs, fosters them until a new
home can be found for them, and pays for their medical needs in the
meantime. The Pug Party is one of several yearly events, including
a Halloween party and a Christmas party. Learn more on the Web at
www.pugbutts.com, or leave a message at (619) 685-3580 or e-mail to
pugsandiego@yahoo.com
.